U.S. patent number 8,452,380 [Application Number 11/568,033] was granted by the patent office on 2013-05-28 for interface device and protocol.
This patent grant is currently assigned to ACIST Medical Systems, Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is Alan Cross-Hansen, Tito Tengco, Robert Williams. Invention is credited to Alan Cross-Hansen, Tito Tengco, Robert Williams.
United States Patent |
8,452,380 |
Williams , et al. |
May 28, 2013 |
Interface device and protocol
Abstract
The invention is an interface device and system for establishing
an operating interface between an injector device and diagnostic
imaging equipment. In one embodiment, the interface device may
permit an operator to concurrently operate and control the injector
device and the imaging equipment. The interface device may permit
the injector system and the imaging system to communicate
information regarding their current and future operational status
with each other. The interface device may be used to synchronize
the operation of the imaging equipment and the injector device. In
one embodiment, the injector device and the imaging equipment may
be able to communicate with each other directly or through the
interface device via a communications protocol comprising binary
logic signals. The binary logic signals may comprise one or more of
a low strength signal, a high strength signal, an oscillating
signal that oscillates between low and high signal strength, and
combinations thereof.
Inventors: |
Williams; Robert (Fort Salonga,
NY), Cross-Hansen; Alan (Massapequa Park, NY), Tengco;
Tito (Dix Hills, NY) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Williams; Robert
Cross-Hansen; Alan
Tengco; Tito |
Fort Salonga
Massapequa Park
Dix Hills |
NY
NY
NY |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ACIST Medical Systems, Inc.
(Eden Prairie, MN)
|
Family
ID: |
35242127 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/568,033 |
Filed: |
April 21, 2005 |
PCT
Filed: |
April 21, 2005 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/US2005/013613 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
October 18, 2006 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO2005/104697 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
November 10, 2005 |
Prior Publication Data
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|
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20090214094 A1 |
Aug 27, 2009 |
|
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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60564674 |
Apr 22, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/432; 600/431;
600/420 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B
6/566 (20130101); G16Z 99/00 (20190201); A61M
5/007 (20130101); A61B 6/548 (20130101); A61M
5/172 (20130101); A61B 6/481 (20130101); G16H
40/63 (20180101); A61B 6/504 (20130101); A61M
2205/3561 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61M
5/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;600/431,432
;604/131,19,30,67,151,154,181,189,218 ;700/230 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
European Application No. EP 05739018, Supplemental European Search
Report dated Aug. 10, 2011, 2 pages. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Casler; Brian
Assistant Examiner: Shahrestani; Nasir S
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Fredrikson & Byron, PA
Parent Case Text
PRIORITY
This application claims priority to PCT Application No.
PCT/US2005/013613, filed Apr. 21, 2005 and entitled INTERFACE
DEVICE AND PROTOCOL and to U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/564,674, filed Apr. 22, 2004.
Claims
That which is claimed:
1. An interface device adapted for facilitating communication
between an injector device and medical diagnostic imaging
equipment, the interface device comprising: a control unit having
one or more stored medical imaging equipment operational protocols
for multiple manufacturers of medical imaging equipment, the
control unit having one or more stored injector device operational
protocols for the injector device for multiple manufacturers of
injector devices, the control unit configured to process
information from the injector device and the imaging equipment; a
dedicated input in communication with the control unit and
configured to receive information from the imaging equipment; a
dedicated output in communication with the control unit and
configured to send information from the control unit to the imaging
equipment; and one or more input/output interfaces in communication
with the control unit and configured to send and receive
information between the control unit and the injector device, the
one or more input/output interfaces permitting the selection of a
desired medical imaging equipment operational protocol, the one or
more input/output interfaces permitting the selection of a desired
injector device operational protocol.
2. The interface device according to claim 1, wherein the stored
operational protocols include operational parameters for operating
the medical imaging equipment.
3. The interface device according to claim 2, wherein the
operational parameters include operational parameters selected from
the group consisting of tube current, tube voltage, collimation,
pitch, detector configuration, rotation, pause, scan delay, start,
and stop.
4. The interface device according to claim 1, wherein the stored
operational protocols include operational parameters for operating
the injector device.
5. The interface device according to claim 1, wherein the interface
device is configured to receive and send binary logic signals to
and from the medical imaging equipment.
6. The interface device according to claim 5, wherein the binary
logic signals comprise transistor transistor logic.
7. The interface device according to claim 1, wherein the interface
device is configured to receive and send binary logic signals to
and from the injector device, and wherein the binary logic signals
comprise transistor transistor logic.
8. The interface device according to claim 1, wherein the control
unit comprises a microprocessor.
9. The interface device according to claim 1, wherein the dedicated
input and dedicated output are electrically isolated from each
other.
10. The interface device according to claim 1, wherein the
interface device is reprogrammable.
11. The interface device according to claim 1, wherein the
interface device is configured to communicate the operational
status of the injector device with the medical imaging equipment,
and communicate the operational status of the medical imaging
equipment with the injector device.
12. A system for performing diagnostic imaging comprising: an
injector device adapted for injecting a contrast media into a
patient; a piece of medical diagnostic imaging equipment for
producing diagnostic images; an interface device operatively
connected to the injector device and the medical imaging equipment,
and configured to communicate information between the injector
device and the medical imaging equipment, the interface device
comprising a control unit capable of processing information from
the medical imaging equipment and the injector device; one or more
stored medical imaging equipment operational protocols for multiple
manufacturers of imaging equipment, the one or more stored medical
imaging equipment operational protocols for operating the medical
imaging equipment; one or more stored injector device operational
protocols for multiple manufacturers of injector devices, the one
or more stored injector device operational protocols for operating
the injector device; one or more input/output interfaces configured
to communicate information between the injector device and the
medical imaging equipment, the one or more input/output interfaces
permitting the selection of a desired medical imaging equipment
operational protocol, the one or more input/output interfaces
permitting the selection of a desired injector device operational
protocol; and a control console operatively connected to the
interface device.
13. A system according to claim 12, wherein the injector device and
the imaging equipment communicate with the interface device via
binary logic signals.
14. A system according to claim 13, wherein the binary logic
signals include one or more of a low strength signal, a high
strength signal, an oscillating signal that oscillate between low
and high strength, and combinations thereof.
15. A system according to claim 14, wherein a high strength signal
generated by the imaging device comprises a request from the
medical imaging equipment that the injector device stops injecting
a contrast media into a patient.
16. A system according to claim 14, wherein a low strength signal
generated by the imaging device comprises a request from the
medical imaging equipment that the injector device starts injecting
a contrast media into a patient.
17. A system according to claim 12, wherein the stored operational
protocols include operational parameters for operating the medical
imaging equipment, and wherein the operational parameters include
operational parameters selected from the group consisting of tube
current, tube voltage, collimation, pitch, detector configuration,
rotation, pause, scan delay, start, and stop.
18. A system according to claim 12, wherein the control unit is
configured to synchronize the medical imaging equipment to start
diagnostic imaging of the patient at a predetermined time following
the injection of a contrast media into the patient.
19. A system according to claim 12, wherein the control unit is
configured to instruct the medical imaging equipment to stop
diagnostic imaging of the patient based on information received
from the injector device.
20. A system according to claim 12, wherein the control unit is
configured to instruct the injector device to start injecting a
contrast media into the patient based on information received from
the imaging equipment.
21. The interface device according to claim 1, wherein the control
unit is configured to convert the selected imaging equipment
operational protocol into a format recognizable by the injector
device.
22. A system according to claim 12, wherein the control unit is
configured to convert the selected medical imaging equipment
operational protocol into a format recognizable by the injector
device.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to injector and imaging equipment
for performing diagnostic imaging on a patient, and more
particularly to an interface device for facilitating communication
between an injector device and imaging equipment.
In many medical diagnostic procedures, a physician or other person
injects a patient with a fluid, such as a contrast media, that is
detectable with diagnostic imaging equipment. In recent years, a
number of injector-actuated syringes and powered injectors for
pressurized injection of fluids have been developed for use in
diagnostic imaging procedures such as angiography, computed
tomography, ultrasound, and NMR/MRI. In general, the powered
injectors and imaging equipment may be monitored and operated with
separate interfaces.
The imaging equipment may expose a patient to a determined amount
of energy after injection of the fluid. In many circumstances it
may be desirable to synchronize the timing of the injection to the
exposure of imaging energy. For instance, during a computed
tomography (CT) scan, a patient may be initially administered a
specified volume of contrast media, (approximately 100 cc) at a
desired flow rate (e.g., approximately 3 cc/sec) intravenously
using an injector. Depending upon the fluid dynamics of the
contrast media being administered to the patient, the particular
physiology of the patient, and the anatomical region of the patient
being imaged, the patient may be exposed to the imaging equipment's
energy for some optimal period of time. The use of separate
interfaces for both the injector and the imaging equipment may make
synchronization between the devices difficult.
In general, the injection device and the imaging equipment may be
located in an imaging room, and the interfaces may be located in a
separate imaging control room. The combination of the imaging room
and the imaging control room is commonly referred to as an imaging
suite. User interface controls for the injector device and the
imaging equipment may be primarily, but not always be limited to
features associated with patient set-up prior to, or during the
early part of exposing the patient to the energy of the imaging
equipment. To perform the diagnostic procedure, clinician(s) in the
imaging control room may have to program, initiate, monitor,
control, and terminate the imaging procedure on two different
interfaces. In some cases it may be necessary for the clinician(s)
to monitor and control the two interfaces concurrently. There may
be situations where the lack of synchronization may result in
starting the imaging equipment too early or too late. As a result,
image quality may be poor and it may be necessary to repeat the
procedure. Restarting the procedure may not desired because it
makes the overall process more expensive, less efficient, and the
patient may have to be re-exposed to the imagining equipment energy
and a re-dosing of injected contrast media.
Thus, there still exists a need for a device and method for
concurrently monitoring and controlling an injector device and
imaging equipment from a single interface.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one alternative embodiment, the present invention is directed to
an interface device and system for establishing an operating
interface between an injector device and diagnostic imaging
equipment. In one alternative embodiment, the interface device may
permit an operator to concurrently operate and control both the
injector device and the imaging equipment. In some embodiments the
interface device may permit the injector system and the imaging
system to communicate information regarding their current and
future operational status with each other. As a result, the
interface device may be used to synchronize the operation of the
imaging equipment and the injector device.
In one alternative embodiment, the interface device may be adapted
for facilitating communication between the injector device and the
diagnostic imaging equipment. In one embodiment, the interface
device may comprise a control unit having one or more stored
imaging equipment operational protocols that may be used to
operatively control the operations of the imaging equipment. In one
alternative embodiment, the interface device may include a
dedicated input that may be in communication with the control unit
and may be adapted for receiving information from the imaging
equipment, and a dedicated output that may be in communication with
the control unit and may be adapted for sending information from
the control unit to the imaging equipment. The interface device may
also include one or more input/output interfaces that may be in
communication with the control unit and may be adapted for sending
and receiving information between said control unit and the
injector device.
In one alternative embodiment, the stored operational protocols may
include operational parameters such as tube current, tube voltage,
collimation, pitch, detector configuration, rotation, pause, scan
delay, start, and stop. In one alternative embodiment, the
interface device may use the operational protocols to synchronize
the operation of the imaging device with the injector device. In
one embodiment, the interface device may be used to communicate
current status of the injector device to the imaging equipment and
vice versa. As a result, the imaging equipment and the injector may
know the status of each device and may be capable of stopping or
starting the injection or the diagnostic imaging at a desired
time.
In one alternative embodiment, the injector device and the imaging
equipment may be able to communicate with each other directly or
through the interface device via a communications protocol
comprising binary logic signals. In some embodiments, the binary
logic signals may comprise one or more of: a low strength signal, a
high strength signal, an oscillating signal that oscillates between
low and high signal strength, and combinations thereof. The binary
logic signals may be used to communicate various operational states
of the injector device and the imaging equipment. In one
alternative embodiment, the control unit of the interface device
may be configured to convert the binary logic signals into a format
that may be recognizable by the control console and/or the injector
device.
In one alternative embodiment, the invention may comprise a system
for performing diagnostic imaging comprising an injector device
adapted for injecting a contrast media into a patient; a piece of
diagnostic imaging equipment for producing diagnostic images; an
interface device operatively connected to the injector device and
the imaging equipment, and capable of communicating information
between the injector device and the imaging equipment; and a
control console operatively connected to the interface device. In
one alternative embodiment, the interface device may comprise a
control unit capable of processing information from the imaging
equipment and the injector device; one or more stored operational
protocols for operating the imaging equipment; and one or more
input/output interfaces for communicating information between the
injector device and the imaging equipment.
In some embodiments, the interface device may comprise a
stand-alone device that may be capable of performing real time
analysis of communications between the injector device and the
imaging equipment. In one embodiment, the interface may be able to
synchronize the functions and operations of the injector device and
the imaging equipment in real time. As a result, the need for
re-injections or additional scanning procedures may be reduced.
Other features of the present invention are set forth in the
drawings and detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference
will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not
necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a pictorial illustration of a prior art imaging suite
having separate remote consoles for the injector device and the
imaging equipment;
FIG. 2 is a non-limiting description of one alternative embodiment
of the present invention showing a pictorial illustration of a
diagnostic imaging system having an interface device for
facilitating communication between the injector device and the
imaging equipment;
FIG. 3 is a non-limiting description of one alternative embodiment
of the present invention showing a schematic illustration of the
interface device;
FIG. 4 is a non-limiting description of one alternative embodiment
of the present invention showing a block diagram of at least one
alternative imaging system having an interface device;
FIG. 5 is a non-limiting description of one alternative embodiment
of the present invention showing a block diagram of at least one
alternative imaging system having an interface device;
FIG. 6 is a non-limiting description of one alternative embodiment
of the present invention showing a block diagram of at least one
alternative imaging system having an interface device;
FIG. 7 is a non-limiting description of one alternative embodiment
of the present invention showing a block diagram of at least one
alternative imaging system having an interface device;
FIG. 8 is a non-limiting description of one alternative embodiment
of the present invention showing a block diagram of at least one
alternative imaging system having an interface device;
FIG. 9 is a non-limiting description of one alternative embodiment
of the present invention showing a graphical representation of a
binary logic signal that may be generated by the injector device to
communicate information to the imaging equipment; and
FIG. 10 is a non-limiting description of one alternative embodiment
of the present invention showing a graphical representation of a
binary logic signal that may be generated by the imaging equipment
to communicate information to the injector device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention now will be described hereinafter with
reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may be
embodied in many different forms and the drawings and descriptions
herein should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set
forth herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
With reference to the drawings, FIG. 1 generally illustrates a
conventional computed tomography (CT) imaging system arrangement
located in an imaging suite 10 The CT imaging system typically
includes a powered CT injector 15 and CT imaging equipment 20
("scanner") that are both normally located in an imaging room 25.
The CT injector 15 and CT scanner 20 are usually both separately
controlled by different remote consoles 17, 22, respectively. The
remote consoles 17, 22 may be located externally of the imaging
room in a separate control room 30. As shown, the imaging suite may
include a viewing window 32 through which the operator may view the
procedure. The imaging room 25 may be shielded from electromagnetic
interference. Communication lines 19, 24 may separately connect
each device to its respective control console. As should be evident
from FIG. 1, under the conventional system, the injector and
scanner may require separate remote consoles and operation.
In one alternative embodiment, the invention is directed to an
imaging system having an interface device for facilitating
communication between an injector device and a piece of imaging
equipment. The injection/imaging system may comprise an injector
system and imaging system that are in communication with and
operatively controlled by an interface device.
An injector system may include an injector device that can be used
to administer an effective dosage of a contrast medium and a
control interface that is operatively connected to the injector
device. The injector system may have one or more control
interfaces. The control interface may send and receive data to and
from the injector device. The injector device can be any type of
injector mechanism that may be used to deliver a contrast medium
into a patient or subject (e.g., E-Z-EM EMPOWER CT Injector). The
imaging system may be comprised of an imaging control console, an
imaging device or equipment that can be used to monitor and display
the contrast medium within a patient or subject, acquire internal
images of a patient or subject, and to provide other diagnostic
data to a control console or storage media. The imaging system may
have an imaging interface that may be operatively connected to the
imaging equipment.
The term "contrast medium" includes any suitable medium, that can
be injected into an individual or subject to highlight and/or
identify selected areas of the individual's body. Contrast mediums
may include, but are not limited to a radio opaque iodinated liquid
compound, gadolinium liquid compound, saline media, flush media,
and the like, and any combination thereof. A contrast medium may be
used in conjunction with an imaging device that is used to perform
medical diagnostic imaging such as CT scans, MRI, ultrasound,
etc.
In one alternative embodiment, the invention is directed to an
interface device that may be used to facilitate communication
between an injector device and diagnostic imaging equipment. In
this regard, FIG. 2, illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
invention depicting an imaging suite wherein a diagnostic imaging
system may include an interface device 100 that may help facilitate
communication between the injector device 110 and the imaging
equipment 120. In one embodiment, the interface device may be a
stand-alone device that may function as an intermediate between the
injector device and the imaging equipment so that both devices may
know the status of the other device in real-time. In some
embodiments, the interface devised may be disposed in either the
control room or the imaging room. Although the description of the
invention primarily discusses the invention with regards to a CT
imaging system, it should be recognized that the invention is not
limited to CT imaging, and that the invention encompasses a variety
of diagnostic imaging procedures which include, but is not limited
to, magnetic resonance (MR), ultrasound, angiographic, positron
emission topography (PET), fluoroscopy, etc.
In one alternative embodiment, the interface device may comprise a
stand-alone device that may permit the injector device to know the
current status of the imaging equipment, and the imaging equipment
to know the current status of the injector device. In some
embodiments, the interface device may be capable of real-time
synchronization of the injector device and the imaging equipment.
In one alternative embodiment, the interface device may include a
microprocessor that may be capable of communicating information
received from the imaging equipment or an imaging control console
into a format recognizable by the injector device. Such imaging
equipment information may include one or more of current status of
the imaging device; whether the imaging equipment is in the process
of performing a diagnostic scan, whether the imaging scan has
halted, and the like. In some embodiments, the microprocessor may
be able to receive information from an injector device and convert
the information into a format recognizable by the imaging
equipment. Such injector information may include one or more of:
injector status; whether the injector is armed whereby injector
configuration will permit injection; whether the injector is in the
process of injecting; whether the injection has stopped or failed
to inject, and the like.
A stand-alone interface device having a means of processing
information separate from the either the injector console or the
imaging console may help improve real-time synchronization between
the injector device and the imaging equipment and reduce any
latency in processing the information from the injector device
and/or imaging equipment. In some embodiments, each manufacturer of
diagnostic imaging equipment may develop and determine its own
unique communication protocols for communicating with the imaging
equipment. Such unique communication protocols may sometimes cause
communication delays or latency issues within the control console.
The use of a stand alone interface device may help reduce or
eliminate such latencies or delays because the interface device may
be dedicated to receiving and sending communications between the
injector device and the imaging equipment. As a result, the
interface device may permit the injector device and the imaging
equipment to know the status of the other device in real-time. This
information may permit real-time synchronization of the injector
device and the imaging equipment.
With reference to FIG. 3, an alternative embodiment of the
interface device 100 is schematically illustrated. In one
alternative embodiment, the interface device 100 may include a
control unit 150, a memory component 152, a dedicated input 154
that may be adapted for receiving data from an imaging device or an
imaging control console, a dedicated output 156 that may be adapted
to communicate injector device status to an imaging device or an
imaging control console, one or more (I/O) interfaces 158, 160 that
may be adapted for communicating with a remote injector console
and/or the injector device. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit
may be operatively connected to the memory component, dedicated
input, dedicated output, and the one or more I/O interfaces.
In some embodiments, the dedicated input may be capable of
receiving information from the imaging equipment, such as current
status, operational state, and the like. In one alternative
embodiment, the connection between the dedicated input and the
dedicated output on the imaging equipment may comprise a hard wired
connection. In some embodiments, the connection 128 between the
dedicated input 154 and the control unit 150 may be electrically
isolated from the connection 126 between the dedicated output 156
and the control unit 150. For example, such logic level signals
carried on 122 and 124 may be managed through a layer of isolation
between the connections 154 and 156 and the control unit 150.
Although not explicitly shown in the diagram in FIG. 3,
opto-isolation components could be used to isolate signals 122 and
124 from one another as well as establishing isolation between the
control unit 150 and the imaging equipment 120. The interconnection
of the imaging device 100 with the imaging equipment 120 at
connection points 154 and 156 may be made with a commercially
available type connector. Generic connectors meeting this need may
include, for example, commercially available D-subminiature plug
socket type connectors and the like.
In one alternate embodiment, the dedicated output may be capable of
sending information to the imaging equipment, such as the status of
the injector device, whether the injector is stopped, armed,
injecting, etc. In some embodiments, the connection between the
dedicated output and the control unit may be electrically isolated
from the connection between the dedicated input and the control
unit.
In some embodiments, the hard wire connection for the dedicated
input and output interfaces may include multiple channels that may
each be configured to perform different functions. In one
alternative embodiment, the dedicated input/output interfaces may
comprise a multi-channel connection wherein the connector to the
interface device comprises e.g., a 9 to 15 pin socket. The
individual pins of each socket may be capable of performing
different functions such as, e.g., communicating one or more of:
injector status, starting injecting, stop injection, stop
diagnostic imaging, start diagnostic imaging, and the like.
In an alternate embodiment, the one or more I/O interfaces 158, 160
may be adapted to send and retrieve information from the injector
device and/or the injector remote console. In some embodiments, the
I/O interface may comprise wired or wireless connectivity means
such as I2C, ACCESS.bus, RS-232, universal serial bus (USB),
IEE-488 (GPIB), LAN/Internet protocols such as TCP/IP, wireless
means such as infrared (IR) communication, 802.11x, and Bluetooth,
etc, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the I/O
interface may comprise a combination of wired and wireless
connectivity means. In one alternative embodiment, the connection
between the interface device and the injector device may include a
serial connection, such as RS-232.
In some embodiments, the control unit 150 may be in the form of an
embedded system comprising a microprocessor or microcontroller
configured to perform one or more functions such as converting the
imaging equipment communication protocols into a format
recognizable by the injector device, or using stored operational
protocols to synchronize the injection and imaging processes. As
used herein, the term "microcontroller" refers to a microprocessor
on a single integrated circuit intended to operate as an embedded
system. The microcontroller may also include memory components such
as RAM, EEPROM, and PROM, internal timers, and I/O port interfaces.
The control unit may include an internal memory component (not
shown) that may be an integral part of the control unit. In some
embodiments, the control unit may include executable program
modules that may be embedded within the internal memory component
of the control unit.
In some embodiments, the controller may include a memory component
152 that may be external or internal to the control unit. In one
alternative embodiment, the memory component may be configured to
buffer information from the imaging equipment and/or the injector
device. In some embodiments, the memory component may include flash
memory. Flash memory refers generally to a type of nonvolatile
memory that can be erased and reprogrammed in units of memory
called blocks. The capacity of the memory component can be varied
depending upon the desired amount of information that can be
stored. In some embodiments the capacity of the memory component
may comprise e.g., 64K, 128K, 256K, 512K, 1028 K, 2056 K, or
greater memory blocks.
As discussed above, each manufacturer of diagnostic imaging
equipment may develop and determine its own unique communication
protocols for communicating with the imaging equipment. In some
embodiments, the interface device may be programmably configured to
store multiple communication protocols in an internal or external
memory component. Stored communication protocols may include, but
is not limited to one or more protocols for GE, Phillips, Siemens,
etc., imaging equipment. The stored communication protocols may
permit the interface device to be used with a variety of different
imaging equipment. In one alternative embodiment, an operator may
be able to select a desired imaging equipment communication
protocol from the injector remote console, which may be in
communication with the interface device. After an operator selects
the appropriate communication protocol, synchronization of the
injector and scanner may occur. In addition, in some embodiments
the microprocessor may be reprogrammable to include additional
communication protocols.
In one alternative embodiment, the manufacturers of the imaging
equipment may each develop their own unique operational protocols
for operating the imaging equipment. In the context of the
invention "operational protocol" includes but is not limited to one
or more operating parameters for the imaging equipment or the
injector device that may be used to perform specific tests and that
can be grouped together and stored for later recall. In some
embodiments, the operational protocol may include a grouping of
program modules that are used by the control unit of the interface
device to instruct the imaging equipment to perform a desired
function at a desired time. In the case of a CT scanner, such
operating parameters may include, but are not limited to, kV
(voltage applied to an X-ray tube, mA (x-ray tube current) detector
collimation, pitch (table speed) gantry rotation speed, detector
configuration (number of detector slices number and resultant
size), automatic control parameters (dose), timed pauses, holds,
and/or delays, and the like, and any combination thereof. In some
embodiments, the imaging equipment operational parameters may be
displayed on a remote control console. In one alternative
embodiment, the operating parameters may be manipulated to optimize
the imaging and detection data.
In some embodiments, the interface device may be capable of storing
multiple operational protocols for multiple manufacturers of
imaging equipment. In one alternative embodiment, an operator may
select a desired operational protocol for the imaging equipment
from a menu screen on the remote console. When a desired
operational protocol is selected, the remote console may instruct
the interface device to recall the selected operational protocol
from its memory component. In some embodiments, the stored
operational protocol may then be used by interface device to
instruct the imaging equipment to perform one or more operations at
a desired time, such as when to begin the diagnostic imaging. For
example, in one embodiment, an operator may select an operational
protocol for the imaging equipment that specifies that the
diagnostic imaging begins at a predetermined time after injection
of a contrast media has begun. The interface device, using the
selected operational protocol, may monitor the timing of the
injection and may instruct the imaging equipment to begin
diagnostic imaging at the desired time. As a result, the interface
device may help facilitate synchronization of the injector device
and the imaging equipment and may help reduce or eliminate the need
to have an operator monitoring two consoles to make sure that the
sequences of injections and scanning are done at the appropriate
time.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the interface device may be used
to monitor the status of the injector device and the imaging
equipment to ensure that the sequence of operational parameters for
the injection device and the imaging equipment are carried out at
the appropriate time. For example, the interface device may be used
to monitor whether the imaging equipment is in the proper state for
performing a diagnostic imaging before the injector device is
armed. This may help reduce or eliminate the possibility of
injecting a media into a patient prematurely before the imaging
equipment is ready to begin diagnostic imaging.
As discussed above, in some alternative embodiments, the interface
device may be reprogrammable so that an operator may download
additional operational protocols or edit existing protocols in the
interface device.
In some embodiments, the interface device may also include stored
operational protocols for the injector device. The specific
operational parameters may be dependent upon the specific media
being injected, the part of the subject being imaged, and the like,
and any combination thereof. The media may include contrast media,
saline media, and the like, and any combination thereof. Such
operational parameters include, but are not limited to, phases,
flow rates, volumes, pressures, timed pauses, hold, and delays to
x-ray exposure. In one embodiment of the present invention, stored
protocols allow operators to quickly recall optimized parameters
that can be used in subsequent tests. As a result, the efficiency
of the test and imaging quality can be improved.
Alternatively, the operational parameters for the injection device
and the imaging equipment may be combined into a single operational
protocol. In some embodiments, the combined operational protocol
can be displayed on a single display. An operator can use a
combined operational protocol to operate the injector device and
the imaging equipment. These combined operational protocols may
permit an operator to efficiently recall operation parameters for
both injector device and the imaging equipment that have been
optimized for a specific test. As a result, the efficiency of the
test and the image quality can be improved.
In some embodiments, the interface device may be remotely
programmable and include separate communications hardware, such as
an ISP programming head, for programming the interface device. The
interface may also include an I/O buffer for temporarily storing
information that can be sent to a manufacturer of the imaging
equipment at a desired time.
The interface device may be powered from a variety of different
power sources including, but not limited to, a separate AC power
supply, a local battery, or from the imaging device or injector
device through a wired connection such as a serial connection.
In some embodiments, the interface device may include a means for
electrically isolating signals received from the imaging equipment
from the injector device, and vice versa. In some cases, medical
devices, such as the imaging equipment may be required by the FDA
to maintain electrical isolation between electrical circuits and
other devices. Electrical isolation may be accomplished in a
variety of way including wireless communication between the
interface device and either the imaging equipment or injector
device, or both. In one alternate embodiment, the interface device
may include one or more optically coupled isolators that may be
used to establish circuit isolation between the imaging equipment,
the injector device, the dedicated input for the imaging equipment,
dedicated output for the imaging equipment, or combinations
thereof.
FIGS. 4 through 8, are block diagrams that illustrate alternative
embodiments of an imaging system having an interface device that
may permit communications between an injector device and the
imaging equipment. In FIG. 4 an alternate embodiment of the
invention is illustrated wherein the interface device 100 may be
disposed between a control console 130 and the injector device 1100
and the imaging equipment 120. The injector device 110 and the
control console 130 may be connected to the interface device via
connections 112, 132, respectively, which may comprise a wired or
wireless connectivity means. In one alternative embodiment,
connections 112, 132 may comprise a serial connection, such as
RS-232. In one alternative embodiment, the control console 130 may
comprise a common control console for operating the imaging
equipment and the injector device. In some embodiments, the common
control console 130 may be able to instruct the interface device to
use a stored operational protocol for operating the imaging
equipment in combination with the injector device. The interface
device may be operatively connected to the imaging equipment via
hard wire connections 122, 124. As discussed above, the input
connection from the imaging equipment to the interface device and
the output connection to the imaging equipment may comprise a
dedicated hard wire connection that may be used to electrically
isolate the input and output signals from each other. In one
alternative embodiment, the connection between the interface device
and the imaging equipment may comprise a wireless connectivity
means provided that electrical isolation of the input and output
signals may be maintained.
In one alternative embodiment, the common control console 130 may
be used to select an operational protocol that may be stored on the
interface device 100. The interface device may use the selected
operational protocol to synchronize the timing of the diagnostic
imaging and the injection. In some embodiments, the interface
device may be able to communicate the status of the injector device
and/or the imaging equipment to each other in real-time. In some
embodiments, the imaging systems may be controlled and operated
from a single remote console. As a result, the injection and
scanning processes may be synchronized so that the overall process
is more efficient and the possibility of having to repeat
injections and/or diagnostic imaging may be reduced.
FIG. 5 represents an imaging system wherein the injector device 110
may be connected directly to the control console 130 via connection
114. In this embodiment, the status of the injector device may be
relayed to the interface device 100 via the control console. In
some embodiments, the interface device may communicate the status
of the imaging equipment and instructions through the control
console 130. In this embodiment, the interface device may
communicate the status of the imaging equipment to the control
console 130. The control console 130 may be adapted to instruct the
injector device based on the information provided by the interface
device. The control console may be adapted to relay injector device
information to the interface device, which may be adapted to direct
the operation of the imaging equipment based on the information
provided by the control console. For example, if the interface
device receives information from the control console that indicates
that the injector device has started the injection, the interface
device may then instruct the imaging equipment to begin the
diagnostic imaging at the appropriate time. In some embodiments, if
the interface device receives information from the control console
that indicates that the injector device has stopped or failed to
begin the injection, the interface device may instruct the imaging
equipment to stop the diagnostic imaging. In this embodiment, the
interface device may also include stored operational protocols that
may be used to help synchronize the injecting and imaging
processes.
In FIG. 6, the imaging system may include an injector control
console 140 and an imaging control console 150 that are both
operatively connected to the interface device 100 via connections
134, 136, respectively. In this embodiment, the interface device
may use one or more stored operational protocols for controlling
the sequence and operations of the injection and the diagnostic
imaging. In one alternative embodiment, the interface device may
use the operational protocols to directly control the sequence and
operations of the injection and imaging processes. As a result, the
synchronization of the injector device and the imaging equipment
may be improved. In some embodiments, the operation of the injector
device and the imaging equipment may be done at either the injector
control console or the imaging control console.
In FIG. 7 an alternate embodiment of the invention is illustrated
wherein the injector control console may be directly connected to
the injector device via connection 114 and the imaging control
console may be directly connected to the imaging equipment via
connection 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the injector control
console may also be connected to the interface device. In one
alternative embodiment, the injector control console 140 may be
used to select an operational protocol that may be stored on the
interface device 100. The interface device may use the selected
operational protocol to synchronize the timing of the diagnostic
imaging and the injection.
In the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the interface
device 100 may function as an intermediate between the injector
control console 140 and the imaging control console 150. In this
embodiment, the interface device may be used to relay the status of
the imaging equipment 120 to the injector control console 140 and
the status of the injector device 110 to the imaging control
console 150. In this embodiment, the information communicated
through the interface device may be used to help synchronize the
injection and the diagnostic imaging.
In an alternative embodiment, the imaging equipment may use a
communication protocol that comprises logic signals, such as
transistor transistor logic (TTL), to communicate information to
the injector device. In some embodiments, the logic signals may
comprise binary signals having high voltage levels and low voltage
levels. In one alternate embodiment, the imaging equipment may use
the high and low voltage signals to communicate information to the
injector device, and the interface device may use high and low
voltage signals to communicate information to the imaging
equipment.
Communications in binary logic signals may permit better
synchronization between the imaging equipment and the injector
device. In particular, the interface device may be able to
communicate the state of the injector to the scanner such as, for
example, whether the injector is stopped, armed, running, etc. In
some embodiments, the interface device may also be able to relay
requests for information from the imaging equipment to the injector
device, and vice versa. As a result, in some embodiments the
imaging device may be capable of knowing such information as when
the injector is armed, and may have better control over injector
functions. In some prior art methods, it may not have been possible
to fully know when it was acceptable for the scanner to start the
injection. In one alternative embodiment, the interface device may
permit the imaging equipment to know the status of the injector
device and may permit the imaging equipment to synchronize the
initiation of the diagnostic imaging at a desired time. As a
result, the use of the injector device and the imaging equipment
may be synchronized so that the injection occurs when the imaging
equipment is ready, and the imaging equipment may begin diagnostic
imaging at an appropriate moment during the injection cycle.
In some embodiments, the injector device and the imaging equipment
may communicate with each other utilizing binary logic signals that
may comprise a waveform. In this regard, FIGS. 9 and 10 depict
three different binary logic signals that may be used to
communicate information between the injector device and the imaging
equipment. In some embodiments, the high and low signals may
comprise waveforms that are recognizable by the interface device
and may be used to communicate information between the imaging
equipment and the injector device.
In one alternate embodiment, the injector device may generate one
or more voltage signals that may comprise a waveform that is
recognizable by the interface device. In this regard, FIG. 9
illustrates several alternate waveforms that may be used to
correspond to possible operational states for the injector. FIG. 9
illustrates the strength of the signal 202 plotted against the
duration of the signal 204. In one embodiment, the area generated
by the high strength signal 206 may corresponds to an operational
state of the injector device, such as if the injector device may be
in "Stop mode", "awaiting programming and syringe loading,"
"injector arming," or "injector running" or combinations thereof.
Area 210 may represent a low strength signal. In some embodiments,
a low strength signal may be used to communicate that the injector
device is in the process of injecting. Area 208 may be produced by
a voltage signal that may be oscillating between high and low
signal strength. Depending upon design and need, the period of the
oscillations may be lengthened or shortened to correspond to even
more states of the injector. As a result, the interface device may
be used to communicate multiple states of the injector device to
the imaging equipment. Area 212 may comprise a trailing high
strength signal that may be used to communicate that the injector
has stopped for any reason. Possible reasons for the injector
stoppage include, for example: procedure is complete; an over
pressure problem is detected in the syringe; extravastion
(injection fluid being detected outside the blood vessel); operator
halted injection via panel control; the imaging equipment
requesting the injector device to halt the injection, and the like,
and combinations thereof.
In one alternative embodiment, the imaging equipment may use a
communications protocol comprising a binary logic signal to
communicate the status of the imaging equipment to the injector
device. With reference to FIG. 10, three exemplary waveforms that
correspond to possible operational states of the imaging equipment
are illustrated. Similar to signal strengths described above for
the injector device, the signal strengths generated by the imaging
equipment may also correspond to various states of the imaging
equipment. In one alternative embodiment, the area 216 may comprise
a high strength signal that may correspond to a communication from
the imaging equipment requesting the injector device to go into a
"Stop mode," "Pause mode," or to stay in a stop or pause mode. Area
218 may be produced by a signal that is oscillating between high
and low signal strength. The period of the oscillations in some
embodiments may depend upon the abilities of both the injector
device and the imaging equipment. Additionally, depending upon
design and need, the period of the oscillations may be lengthened
or shortened to correspond to even more operational commands that
may be sent from the imaging equipment to the injector device. In
on alternative embodiment, area 220 may be produced by a low signal
strength that may correspond to a request from the imaging
equipment that the injector device go to "Run mode" (start
injecting). Area 222 may comprise a trailing high strength signal
that may correspond to a request from the scanner that the injector
go to "Stop mode". Possible reasons for requesting that the
injector device to go to Stop mode may include, for example; the
diagnostic imaging has been completed and the imaging equipment may
have made a determination not to continue contrast injection; the
imaging equipment has experienced a problem and decides not to
continue contrast injection; and an emergency stop has been
activated for the imaging device and the imaging device decides not
to continue the contrast injection.
In one embodiment, the interface device may include one or more
program modules that may instruct the interface device to
periodically sample the signal strength generated by either the
injector device and/or the imaging equipment. In some embodiments,
the interface may be configured to sample the signal strength at
predetermined time intervals. In one alternate embodiment, the
interface device may sample the signal strength to check status of
the imaging equipment and the injector device. In one embodiment,
the interface device may sample the signal strength to verify that
the communication channels with the injector device and/or imaging
equipment remains active.
In one alternative embodiment, the binary logic signals may
comprise a communication protocol that may be used to facilitate
communications directly between the injector device and the imaging
equipment. In this embodiment, the binary logic signal may be used
as described above without the need to have an intermediary
interface device.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth
herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the
invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in
the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore,
it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to
the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other
embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the
appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they
are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for
purposes of limitation.
Further, throughout the description, where compositions are
described as having, including, or comprising specific components,
or where processes or methods are described as having, including,
or comprising specific steps, it is contemplated that compositions
of the present invention may also consist essentially of, or
consist of the recited components, and that the processes or
methods of the present invention also consist essentially of or
consist of the recited steps. Further, it should be understood that
the order of steps or order for performing certain actions are
immaterial so long as the invention remains operable. Moreover, two
or more steps or actions may be conducted simultaneously with
respect to the invention disclosed herein.
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